The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-09-09
Floral Decorations.

In laying floral plants it is we'll to
consider the many and varied uses to
which our treasures may be put, not
the least of which is that of house
decoration. Besides the plants which
arc to furnish the indispensable cut
flowers it is well, therefore. to have
on hand few pot grown ornamental
plants to be used as required.
Besides the many times they may
be used to good advantage in our
homes. there are the many public
occasions, especially in towns and
villages where there may be no local
florists, when a call is sent out for
volunteer floral offerings wherewith
to decorate pulpit, rostrum or stage.
This need must be met by those
tasteful, forehanded and generous to
supply the demand, and to public
spirited person, conveniently situat,
ed forms sufficient motive Tor the
cultivation of not only good va
riety of cut flowers, but few spe.
cimen plants in the manner mention.
ed, and who Of us, on viewing the
scant floral decorations in some vii
lage church. say upon ChiIdrens'
Day when flowers are an important
and attractive feature, but has wish
ed for few ornamental plants where
with to supply Deficiencies, and thus
save the credit of the cause and the
occasion.
Ferns, Palms, Eracanas, Coleus,
Caladiums,~ Cannas and Callas are
all admirably suited to this purpose;
easily-grown, beautiful and available
at all seasons, Fuchsias. Geraniums
and Roses, of course, we shall al
ways have; but let us insist that
these be fine, compact, we'll grown
specimens, or relegate them to the
background.
Later in the season, pot of Scar
let Sage will furnish a patch of
glowing color not surpassed by any
other. plant.
Many of our common garden an
nuals may he ported with ease and
used with good effect. A box of
Browaliia on bracket, with it's
cheerful starry blossoms, trailing in
hayward beauty downward, is an
ornament not TO be despised; boxes
or pots of Sweet Alyssum. care be-
ing taken TO prevent seeding, are
always pretty and in demand for the
Alyssum will harmonic with every
thing and fiji almost anywhere; a
beautiful plant in itself, it enhances
the beauty of all others near it, al
ways imparting an air of sprightli-
ness to its surroundings, like a
sprinkling of bright,faced children
at "grown up picnic" As an edg-
ing across the front of pulpit or
stage, few things are finer, and thus
1t forms just the contrast needed in
size and color to set off to perfection
the more pronounced beauty of
gaudier blooms. The Sweet Alyssum
is perfectly at home in a hanging
basket, admirably suited with a po-
sltlon on bracket, aud, delicately
sweet and chaste, is a treasure ey-
erywhere.
Nor must the vines be forgotten.
Everybody knows how ornament
al well arranged Ivy or Smi-
lax may be; but many have yet to
learn the decorative effect of a small
hanging basket of Kenilworth wv,
or an Ottonna filled shell suspended
rom bracket or chandelier, and ev-
en- that poor, despised little plant.
Ground Ivy, nuisance and a pest
IN some quarters; compares we'll with
many of its cherished kindred, if
given similar place. The MADEIRA
Vine is agreeable to.anything, grown
over a screen it rapidly covers it
with its clean shining leaves; 1t will